MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has asked city engineering officials to investigate the cause of a wall’s collapse inside the city hall complex that led to a person’s death.
In a statement on Friday, Belmonte said City Engineer Dale Perral has been tasked to lead the investigation of the incident and determine whether someone should be held accountable.
“Inatasan na natin si City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral na pangunahan ang imbestigasyon sa insidente at tingnan kung may dapat managot sa insidente,” Belmonte said.
(We have asked City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral to lead investigations into the incident, and to look if someone should be held accountable.)
“Isa sa mga unang aalamin ang sistemang pinaiiral ng kontratista sa construction site, at kung binigyang-halaga ba ang aspeto ng occupational safety para sa kanilang manggagawa,” she added.
(One of the things we will determine is the system placed by the contractors at the construction site, and if they have given importance to the occupational safety of their workers.)
Earlier, it was reported that one person was killed while three others were injured after a wall at a construction site within city hall collapsed on Thursday evening.
A statement from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) identified the fatality as Russel Erezo, 22.
READ: Wall at construction site in QC Hall compound collapses: 1 killed, 3 hurt
Perral meanwhile assured the public that the establishment where the accident happened is still structurally sound. However, they have cordoned the area for now for further assessment.
Belmonte, on the other hand, also said that concerned city offices have been directed to extend financial and other forms of assistance to the affected individuals.
“Rest assured that the Civic Center B is still structurally sound and safe for use. Just the same, we will ensure that the construction site, especially the ground floor, will be cordoned off and safe for passersby and city hall employees,” Atty. Perral said.
“Magpapaabot tayo ng tulong sa pamilya ng nasawi at karampatang atensyong medikal sa mga nasaktang manggagawa,” she added.
(We would provide assistance to the bereaved family and appropriate medical attention to workers who were hospitalized after the incident.)